Chapter XXXXIX: Hell or Highwater

VIP Balcony
Kadena Air Force Base
Okinawa, Japan

"VK 30.02, otherwise known as 'Daimler-Benz Panther'," said Caitlyn Lee.
"I never knew that Germany had such a tank," said Zhu Liang'er.
"Well, not much of us know," said Caitlyn Lee, "the VK 30.02 is the prototype submitted by Daimler-Benz for the Panther project, along with the VK 30.01 prototype from MAN, which won the bid. Unlike the regular Panther, this Daimler-Benz Panther weighs only 38 tonnes, hence the reason why it qualified as a medium tank by the rules. But I guess you're not surprised, Ms. Klara."
"Da, Russian intelligence has noticed that Germany secretly tested these tanks on their low-tier local competition, hence not attracting attention from any other European nations," said Klara, "I'm just surprised that they decided to unfold them here, not at the senior Sensha-do World Cup."
"Germany is making a statement," said Ahn Soo-jin, "they wanted to show the world that they now has means to circumvent the rules, which all this time, has prevented them to achieve their maximum potential."
"But the tank, it's 6 tons lighter than regular Panther," said Zhu Liang'er, "surely that there will be trade-offs, right?"
"Da, less weight, less armor, traded for speed and agility," said Klara, "but apart from those, their firepower is the same as the regular Panther."
"Miho Nishizumi never changed her tank composition throughout the competition, so Germany must've been scouting their line-ups for great effect," said Zhu Liang'er, "plus she prepared arrangements to meet weaker tanks, so that won't do for her."
"But the worst about Germany is not their tanks, but their commander," said Caitlyn Lee, "Brunnhilde Knispel and her four Rittmeisters are by far the most fearsome team in this competition."
"But with all due respect, Miho's ability can't be judged by her early engagement," said Ahn Soo-jin, "I guess everyone here shall agree with me."
"But for now, I can't see how she will escape this predicament, Ms. Ahn," said Caitlyn Lee.
"Oh, she will escape," said Ahn Soo-jin, "and that's when the battle started to get exciting."
"Changing a fate that has been destined?" asked Zhu Liang'er, "is that even possible?"
"Let's make a bet," said Klara, "who thought Miho will survive this and triumphant, and who thought Miho will finally met her demise?"
"I vouch for Miho," said Ahn Soo-jin, "anyone with me? Eotteokke?"
"Sorry, Ms. Ahn, though my heart with Miho, I can't see how she could get out of this," said Caitlyn Lee.
"Me too," said Zhu Liang'er, "I really wanted Miho to win, I really do. But it's too far now."
"Very well then," said Klara.
"You're not choosing yet," said Ahn Soo-jin.
"I'll be the dealer for this bet," said Klara, "though I really wanted to bet, I'm afraid I can't do the consequences."
"What is the bet actually?" asked Zhu Liang'er.

Klara just smiled mysteriously.

Meanwhile on the field...

Miho stared horrified as she sees the Daimler-Benz Panthers bearing the Westfalen banner try to encircle her forces on the left flank. But she can't do so much, since the Schlesien's Tigers already marching forward to protect the encirclement, including Brunnhilde Knispel herself.

"BLAMM!"

A shot from Brunnhilde's Konigstiger quickly white-flagged Hippo Team's SU-100, which tried to hold their advance.

"This is not good," said Emi Nakasuga, "Miho, you have to leave right now. The left flank will soon be broken, and when it does, Germany would slaughter us here. Move to a more favorable ground."
"But, the other team..." said Miho.
"No time! We have to cut our loses!" said Emi Nakasuga.
"This is Eclair from the left flank," said Eclair, "Nakasuga-san is right, Taichou, as much as you hate it, you have to quickly retreat from here with any available forces and regroup."
"That's right," said Carpaccio, "we'll hold the right flank as long as we can, but we can't keep the corridor open for long."
"I'll try to hold them on bay till left flank able to evacuate," said Shizuka.
"No! There's no time, it's everyone for herself now!" said Eclair, "all of you still be able to escape just escape, don't mind us! Remember, this is Semi-Annihilation battle, any tank we could save counts, so hurry up! Run and don't look back!"
"Erika-san, please escort Taichou out!" said Emi Nakasuga.

As Erika goaded Miho to retreat, Emi Nakasuga quickly rushed to the advancing Schlesien Regiment, and despite her brave efforts, she's surrounded and finally white-flagged by a Tiger commanded by Amelia Steiner, rittmeister of Schlesien Regiment. Meanwhile, Shizuka, with great reluctance, ordered Pepperoni to get away from their position before the encirclement of the Westfalen Regiment was completed. Aside from them, Mika and Koume, both on the left flank, are the only ones able to escape, with the help from other left flank tanks. Brigitta Kersch quickly complete her encirclement, and along with Schlesien Regiment, proceed in executing the entire Japan tanks they're able to trap.

With the left flank being completely cleared, the Schlesien Regiment quickly pressed on Japan's central force, to assist Brandenburg and Magdeburg since their numbers aren't enough to cut the retreat of the right flank. Facing with this reality, Miho has no choice but retreat along with the rest of her forces able to get away, since Germany quickly pursued the retreating Japanese forces. Looking back, Miho could see the commanders of the tanks in the left flank, with the white flag waving, stand on their turrets and give her the final salute, before she lost their sight to the dense forest.

A VK 30.02 DB-Panther, commanded by Brigitta Kersch, rittmeister of Westfalen Regiment, approached Brunnhilde Knispel's tank.

"Report," said Brunnhilde Knispel.
"Jawohl!" said Brigitta Kersch, "we've decimated Japan's left flank, a total of 8 tanks has been white-flagged, over!"
"You have white-flagged one, so do I, and one of the Magdeburg got one as well," said Amelia Steiner, "meaning we have killed 11 of Japan's tanks in one fell swoop."
"If only we could get 4 more, Japan would have been lost by now," said Brigitta Kersch.
"Don't be greedy, Frau Kersch," said Brunnhilde Knispel, "this already more than we planned."
"Right, sorry, Mein Fraulein," said Brigitta Kersch, "requesting permission to join the pursuit."
"You can't just let Valentina and Johanna have fun on their own, do you?" asked Amelia Steiner.
"The more, the merrier," said Brigitta Kersch.
"I agreed, take 6 of my Tigers with you," said Amelia Steiner, "I'll escort Kommandant."
"Don't forget, keep the pressure on Miho Nishizumi," said Brunnhilde Knispel, "don't give her any room to breathe, moreover regroup. She's too dangerous if being left unchecked. Russia, South Korea, America, all has failed to do this and suffer the result."
"Jawohl!" said Brigitta Kersch.

Six Tigers, previously under Schlesien Regiment, quickly changed their emblem into that of Westfalen Regiment, before joining Brigitta Kersch into the wood. Westfalen divide their forces in two directions. A platoon of 2 DB-Panther and 2 Tigers were sent to pursue the escapees from left flank, while the main regiment, commanded by Brigitta Kersch in person, join forces in chasing Miho.

On the other side of the jungle...

Miho still shocked by Germany's swift attack. Though she has predicted the outcome, she didn't expect that the blow will be very hard and very devastating, without Japan even able to claim a score. Plus, she knew that a group of German forces were already hunting her not very far behind.

"Casualty report, please?" said Miho.
"Eleven of our tanks are gone," said Saori, "Eclair, The Kashiwabas, Emi Nakasuga, Erwin, Neko Yamamori, Chifuyu Doi, Youko Minami, Marie-sama, Naomi-sama, Fondue-sama, and Anteater Team."
"Bellwall, Maginot, BC Freedom, all perished?" said Miho.
"I'm afraid so, Miporin," said Saori.
"How about the rest of the crew?"

"Still surviving, but most reported about being chased by the Germans," said Saori, "right now we're with Erika-san, Nishi-san, and Tamada-san. Shizuka and Pepperoni are somewhere on the east, and also Mika and Koume; we don't know if both groups are together or not. Carpaccio, Shark Team, and Seshka is in another group, so does Duck Team and Rosehip; I figured that both groups are close, but yet to meet. Orange Pekoe-san, Assam-san, Nina-san, Alina-san, Alisa-san, and Rabbit Team are in one group."
"Judging from the current situation, Orange Pekoe's group is the strongest and have a greater chance to counterattack," said Yukari, "we should attempt to regroup with them."
"I agreed with Akiyama," said Erika, "let's regroup first and decide what to do next."
"But not with German forces in hot pursuit," said Miho, "could you contact Orange Pekoe-san, Saori?"
"Hold on," said Saori.

Saori connected the communication to Orange Pekkoe's tank. However, once established, Miho could hear the sound of battle in the background.

"Pekoe-san, come in," said Miho.
"Yes, Taichou, kinda busy here," said Orange Pekoe.
"You're being ambushed?"
"No, we tried to stall the advancing German forces. If they're fixed on our position, that will give you all a break for a moment."
"What's your opponents, over?"
"Elements of Magdeburg, and few tanks from Brandenburg. They're smart not to enter our effective fighting range, seems they also tried to stall us..."

"Shit! That's the Tigers coming!"

"Pekoe-san, report, please?" said Miho.
"We must retreat now to the next position, Taichou, we have another company, the Tigers of... Oh my?"
"What? What's the matter?"
"Taichou, call me crazy, but I think those Tigers come under the Westfalen banner."
"Wait? Westfalen?"
"Aren't all Tigers under the Schlesien banner just now? Or am I mistaken?"
"No, Pekoe-san, you're not mistaken. Retreat to the next point of resistance, keep an eye on your numbers, don't let the Germans outflank you."
"Understood, Taichou!"

Miho ended the communication with Orange Pekoe and switch to Erika.

"You heard that just now, Erika-san?" asked Miho.
"Yes, what do you have in mind?" asked Erika.
"It seems German pulled off the same ploy used by United States Navy in the Pacific War."
"I think the same too. Now the only question is, what's the task of each of their Regiments? We found that out, then we could map out their entire strategy."
"Yes, and this jungle is also thick enough."
"What do you suggest?"
"Do you remember what we did in Korea?"
"Well, I don't normally agree to that kind of strategy, but in this situation, that will do the trick."
"It's imperative that we have to thin out their number before we reached the castle, and moving in this large formation won't do any good against them."
"Understood."

"To all tank commanders, hear me out," said Miho addressing to her entire forces, "in this rate, there's no way that Germany would cease to chase us, let alone let us regroup. Right now, there's a big chance that we have to make our final stand in the castle. But that would be precarious unless we done something along the way. If they don't let us to regroup, then so be it. Let us show our prowess in combat with our heart and bond in mind. If they think that we're just an inch away from defeat, then let's prove that they're wrong. Let's show them who we are, what we made of, and in this final fight, let's not die before we made sure that they understand it."

Silence occured in the radio for a while.

"How do we fight them if we can't regroup?" asked Carpaccio.
"We don't need to," said Orange Pekoe, "what Taichou said is loud and clear, this is Korea all over again, we must fight our way to the castle, in small clusters, instead of lone large formation."
"Make sense," said Alisa, "Germany set their formation according to ours, so if we break into small clusters..."
"Then we also break German's pursuing formation, made them vulnerable to be picked individually," said Carpaccio.
"Correct, and since we no longer surprised with their presence, it's time to fight back," said Orange Pekoe, "DB-Panther is not as strong as regular Panther, also we know Tigers in and out. Time to put those knowledge into action! We must thin their number so that we can breathe."
"Hai!"

Japan, which initially moved in large fleets, now dispersed into multiple smaller battlegroups, about two or three tanks each, which somehow being observed by Brigitta Kersch.

"Achtung, achtung! Japan has now break their formation into smaller groups and dispersed themselves into the jungle," said Brigitta Kersch.
"Seems they're giving up," said Valentina Neuer, "they won't be able to defeat us if they're breaking their formation that small."
"Order, Kommandant?" said Brigitta Kersch.
"What do you think, Frau Steiner?" asked Brunnhilde Knispel.
"I think Japan is headed to their doom, Mein Fraulein," said Amelia Steiner, "in this rate, we could engulf them one at the time and destroy them to pieces."
"On paper, yes," said Brigitta Kersch, "but their even more loose formations could provide them more flexibility to circumvent our own formation."
"In the military classics, there's no way an army could won if they divided their forces so thin," said Johanna Meyer, "they'll just be prey to a single more concentrated opponent."
"Maybe, but this is not classics situation, Johanna," said Brigitta Kersch, "the classics were made when army still wielded sabers and rode on horseback, not inside armored steel box with huge guns."
"Ruhe bitte!" said Brunnhilde Knispel, "small or big, they'll break if we maintain constant pressure on them. Hit them, one tank at the time, and be careful of their sneak attack!"
"Jawohl!"
"Mein Fraulein, requesting permission to engage," said Valentina Neuer, "I found her, the red Crusader with the centipede insignia."
"That's one of Miho Nishizumi's lieutenants," said Maria Haber, "Shizuka Tsuruki, the sneaky one. She set in motion the chain event for Japan's victory over Russia and America. If we kill her, that will be a devastating blow to Japan."
"Alright, how many tank you have right now, Frau Neuer?" asked Brunnhilde Knispel.
"Three, Mein Fraulein, including my own," said Valentina Neuer.
"Take them all, make sure she's dead," said Brunnhilde Knispel, "leave the others, this target is very important."
"Jawohl!"

Three Leopards of Brandenburg, led by Valentina Neuer herself, charging on two retreating Japan's Crusaders: Centipede Team and Pepperoni. While both Pepperoni and Centipede Team able to strike back several times, it's clear that these Leopards are chases only Shizuka's tank.

"Pepperoni-san," said Shizuka, "I have a feeling that these Leopards are aiming at me, this could be your opportunity to break formation and assist the other groups."
"But, Shizuka-san, that would leave you alone against three Leopards," said Pepperoni.
"I know, but at least I can tie three of them to be fixated onto my side. Remember in Korea, do you? Any tank tied by us is the tank cannot be used for their plan. Go now, I'll be fine."
"Got it, take care yourself, okay?"

As the three Leopards getting fixated on Centipede Team's Crusader pressed their chase, Pepperoni gradually took some distance and took off, but none of the German tanks minded her, since they all have bigger fish to fry.

"Centipede girls!" said Valentina Neuer, "let's play, shall we?"
"If you would like to play, why bring company?" said Shizuka, "why not do it yourself, one against one?"
"Haha, you're going to play tricks on me, do you?" said Valentina Neuer.
"Oh, so you're afraid I'm going to whoop your pretty ass if we have duel?" said Shizuka.
"Nonsense! I can defeat you anytime!"
"Bollock, prove it!"

Valentina Neuer fired on the Crusader, but Rin Matsukaze skillfully dodge the shot.

"See? You can't even get me!" teased Shizuka.
"Schnautze!" said Valentina Neuer, "I'll rip your mouth off if I can get you!"
"German big mouth, can't deliver what it shouts..."

Another shot, followed by shot from other Leopards as well, followed, but the Crusader deftly swerved expertly, dodging them all. One shot slammed into the ground, while another cleaved into thin air. For the German gunners, this was effectively like engaging a Zero. Constant zigzagging made it impossible to properly lead the target at all, with shells missing left and right. Shizuka's teasing and insults made Valentina Neuer's ears burning red, so she orders all Leopards to intensify their attack on Centipede Team.

"She doesn't buy it," said Haruka Endo.
"Yes, she's hot-headed alright, but still able to maintain her reason," said Shizuka.
"Or maybe she's just wanted to see you cooked, whatever the means," said Haruka.
"Yeah, that too," said Shizuka.
"Hime! Watch out!" shouted Rin.

In the heat of intense firing from German tanks, Centipede Team's Crusader unknowingly ran into the brink of a lush cliff. Despite Rin trying so hard to hit the brake, the momentum of her speeding Crusader still drove them plunging into the cliff. Centipede Team lost control of their vehicle as the Crusader slid down to the bottom, bumping into rocks, vegetations, and debris in the process. All of the occupants can only hunker down till finally the tank stops shaking after reaching the bottom.

Valentina Neuer and the Brandenburg's Leopards stops just right the cliff. A girl from another Leopard jumped down with a binocular, and quickly gaze on the cliff.

"Do you see them?" asked Valentina Neuer.
"Yes, down there, I think they're wrecked but I can't see the white-flag," said the scout.
"Okay, let's go down there make sure that they're out of this game," said Valentina Neuer.
"Jawohl!"

The Leopards then moving, searching for another path down. Meanwhile, down below, Shizuka opened the hatch of the now wrecked Crusader, coughing, crawling out while also dragging Haruka and lying there in the jungle floor. Rin got out of driver hatch not long after, with her arms and legs still shaking. She crawled to where Shizuka and Haruka lie, with Shizuka only wave weakly to greet her.

"Are you okay?" asked Shizuka.
"Can't say I am," said Rin.
"We're safe," said Haruka, "and the tank hasn't been white-flagged yet."
"No way I'm going back there," said Rin, "the tracks and transmissions are busted, and I'm not sure about the engine stability. If it isn't white-flagged now, then it will be anytime later."
"Great, and I think they'll come down here to make sure of it," said Haruka.
"We have to do something," said Shizuka.
"How, Hime?" said Rin, "it's not like you can take them out with our small firearms, we need to have something big to take those tanks out."

Shizuka rises and looking around. This part of the jungle is quite thick, many places to hide, but just like Rin said, there's nothing they could use to take out a tank. Shooting a tank with an Arisaka rifle they carry is a foolish move. While searching, suddenly Shizuka noticed something.

"Eh? What does a torii gate doing here?"

Not far from them, a gate with torii-style stands there, seemingly out-of-place in this thick jungle without any man present. Shizuka quickly go there to check it, and something she sees there surprised her.

About minutes apart, a team of three Leopards, commanded by Valentina Neuer arrived in the scene. She thoroughly scan the area, and the only thing she sees was just a wreck of the Crusader, still without white-flag raised. Filling herself with pride, Valentina Neuer pointed on the Crusader's wreck.

"Centipede girl! You've been guilty for trying to provoke me, now what will you say, huh?" said Valentina Neuer.

No respond from the wreck.

"Alright then, I'll spare you from your misery," said Valentina Neuer, "alles, feuer!"

The three Leopards fire simultaneously on the Crusader wreck, and white-flagged it instantly, but there were no signs of anyone coming out of the wreck afterwards. Valentina Neuer feels kinda odd with this situation. Is it possible that the personnels just left this Crusader? Judging from the look, before they opened fire on it, it seems it won't go too far either. But, where is she? Where is the crew?

While Valentina Neuer is still puzzled, a high speed whistling sound pierced the air, and suddenly, her tank got slammed by something so hard that it tumbled sideways, white-flagged it at once. She and her crew quickly got out of her now-wrecked tank, and talked to the remaining Leopard.

"What a hell is that? Do you notice something?" asked Valentina Neuer.
"Nein, Kommandant, we're as surprised as you are," said Leopard commander #1.

Valentina Neuer looked at her tank, and notice part of its side armor has been punched by some kind of high velocity projectile. She quickly turn her eye on the farthest Leopard from the wreck of her tank, and coming to it with the rest of her crew.

"Sie! Aus! Aus!" said Valentina Neuer.

The crew of the Leopard pointed by Valentina Neuer quickly jumped out of their tank, and Valentina's crew jumped in to replace them. Before the transfer completed, another round cleaved out and hit the other Leopard, again, white-flagged it at once. So, before her crews completely got in to their new tank, Valentina Neuer orders her driver, which already in position, to get the tank out of there, with the rest of the crew still outside must hold their own to not fall from the tank, leaving the original crew behind to take the fall.

Seconds after she left the scene, a tank with its gun still smoking, slowly creeps out of its hiding place. It's a Jagdpanzer 38 Hetzer, with Shizuka Tsuruki standing on the hatch, watching her foe retreating. She blows hard, seems disappointed that she can't get the last Leopard. She then reached her radio.

"Taichou, this is Shizuka Tsuruki, over?" said Shizuka.
"Come in, Shizuka-san, loud and clear," said Miho.
"We've white-flagged two Leopards by using a Hetzer."
"Please repeat, did you say Hetzer, Shizuka-san?"
"Yes, Taichou, I found one of the Manito Tanks."